Celebrating life is always a reason for hope and joy. As we commemorate the Golden Jubilee of religious life of our dear Sister Irma Luy, we raise together a grateful song to the Lord, who called her fifty years ago to follow him with fidelity and generous dedication.
On September 28, we lived a particularly pleasant day, a day that will remain in our memory and in our hearts: the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of our dear Irma Luy.
From the moment we arrived at Casa Vedruna, we felt an atmosphere of celebration and closeness. The welcome could not have been warmer: Sister Irma, with her open smile and her simple and close way of welcoming us, enveloped us with that affection of hers that always encourages and strengthens us.
The Eucharist, presided by Father Edgar (the infallible and dear Vedruna friend) was a true gift. His words, full of tenderness and gratitude, highlighted Irma’s virtues and invited everyone to recognize and be grateful for her faithful dedication. It was touching to hear the renewal of her vows: with a serene and firm voice, she transmitted to us the strength of a yes that for fifty years has been sustained in the Lord’s trust. His every word, full of truth and affection, touched our hearts.
In Irma we recognize a vocation of high fidelity, which motivates us to continue saying yes to the Lord from our own reality and vocation. Her life reminds us how much good can come from a simple commitment, without boasting, with a just word, with a kind and loving gesture.
Listening to her renewal of vows, full of gratitude and her words, full of truth and affection, touched our hearts.
After the celebration, as in every family celebration, we shared a fraternal lunch, rich in flavors and even more in laughter, jokes and memories. The simple and joyful atmosphere reflected what we are as a Vedruna family: a community that meets, celebrates and is strengthened by what we share.
It was a day of tenderness, gratitude and hope. We are left with the certainty that Irma’s life is a gift to all of us, and we return home with a song in our hearts:
“What a detail Lord, you have had with me, when you called me, when you chose me, when you told me that you were my friend.”
Olga Shimabuku and Pepi Villavicencio, laypersons
